Abstract: A pickup and press section of a paper machine includes a suction pickup roll and felt which transfers a web from a wire, a first suction press roll and felt cooperating with the suction pickup roll and felt to define therewith a first press nip to which the web is transferred. A second suction press roll and a lower press roll situated therebeneath as well as a felt which cooperates with the latter lower press roll define a second press nip to which the web travels subsequent to the first press nip, the felt for the latter lower roll of the second press nip and for the first suction press roll being constituted by a single felt common to both of the latter rolls and supporting the web while it travels from the first to the second press nip.