Magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus

A magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus for winding a magnetic tape around a rotary head cylinder, having a rotary head, for a predetermined arc, for recording/reproducing the magnetic tape, the magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus comprising:

• a capstan shaft for driving the magnetic tape;
• and
• a pinch roller for pressing the magnetic tape against the capstan shaft, wherein:
• when the magnetic tape is being reproduced, the capstan shaft is rotated in a forward direction with the pinch roller pressing the magnetic tape against the capstan shaft;
• and
• a pause operation of pausing the reproduction of the magnetic tape is performed by stopping the rotation of the capstan shaft, rotating the capstan shaft in a reverse direction by a predetermined amount, and then stopping the rotation of the capstan shaft again.