Scuba;
I used one for years without problems. This was the European B&O model, DIN plug, with an optional smoked plastic cover that snapped in over the reels. Before the Beo 5, and CD, Mp3, etc. this was about the only way a HI-FI enthusiast could sit back in his or her Eames chair, smoking jacket on, pipe in hand, a glass of good wine in the other, and enjoy 6 hours of non-stop music ( until nature called or the phone rang ). Purchased in Berlin, full DM price, + no discount.
As Peter points out above, you may find the hunt for parts and reel recording tape an " exercise " these days. If the heads are worn, or the machine in need of service the musical experience may sound a tad dull, speeding up, or slowing down. I recall swabbing the heads now and then with a drop of Glenlivet, or EToH2 for a good clean sound. Note too that the treasure boxes of reel-to-reel tapes one comes across now and then can, and do demagnitize over the years.