A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a pivotable arm section; an arm pivoting center shaft for supporting the pivoting center of the arm section; a capstan section for driving a magnetic tape so as to run; a pinch roller provided on the arm section for pressing the magnetic tape to the capstan section; and an extendable and compressable section extendable so as to be wound around the arm pivoting center shaft in accordance with the pivoting of the arm section and compressable so as to retract from the arm pivoting center shaft in accordance with the pivoting of the arm section.