Abstract: The rotary head scanner of a helical scan magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus includes a carrier which supports the fixed drum or drums of the scanner by means of full radius contact between the drum and the carrier. A rotary head scanner includes upper and lower stationary drums and a head wheel rotably mounted in a slot between the stationary drums. The head wheel includes one or more magnetic heads mounted on the periphery of the head wheel. The rotating heads record on and reproduce from slant tracks on magnetic tape guided around the scanner in a helical path. The upper and lower drums are supported by a carrier which effects full radius contact over a large circumferential arc. Such contact effects rigid mounting of the drums without distortion, thus, minimizing distortion in magnetic tape as it is guided around the rotary head scanner.