Abstract: A lock cylinder, operable by a key having key contours which include coded key contours. A cylindrical rotor is rotatably mounted within a stator. A keyway extends longitudinally into the rotor. A plurality of primary pinways extend transverse to the keyway, between the keyway and stator bore. The primary pinways meet the stator bore at a stator plane. A primary pin extends in each of the primary pinways, each primary pin having a contact end and a clearing end. Each primary pin has a coded length which corresponds with one of the coded key contours. At least one cam supports each primary pin in an interfering position where it interferes with rotation of the rotor within the stator when the key is not inserted into the keyway. When the key is inserted in the keyway, the primary pin is allowed to fall and follow the key contours.