I need to get out the great shaft, I can climb out but seem to be stuck on the upper floor, I can't find a way out, the way I got in is now blocked. Been up and down those steel rungs so many times I'm getting callouses on my hands.

TIA

This seem's to be confusing. Everthing you need is in the shaft. Maybe you could tell us what you have done so far in the shaft so we can help you get on your way. There are many players here to help. How far have you progressed. What ages, etc.We are here to help with just hints or outright spoilers.

And do not forget to tell us how many Yeesha books you have found so far. It could be be a good indication specially if you have one or more blank space in this inventory section.

Do not worry we will help you.

If you're on the upper level, it's not very difficult to get back down. But there are a couple of things you need to do on the upper level first. A lot centers around the position of the central platform in this puzzle...

I sure appreciate your responses, here's where I am ,I've managed to press the blue and yellow button and and raised the floor, I've found my way down the steel ladder into the pit, got Yeesha's journal. Found the tunnel with the switch lever for the fan but can't turn it. This is where I'm stuck, I go back down the tunnel to the pedestal, I can raise or lower the floor using that pedestal, but I'm trapped either in the pit or when I do get up to the upper level I can't seem to find anyway out.

Hope this helps, I have a feeling I missed something earlier but unable to back track to find out.
Thanks everyone for your help. Don't know if I'm just dumb or stupid LOL.

J.

It is possible the Myst V game is playind a dirty trick on you. Many times in my game the interface settings are automaticcally changed without warning you in puzzle time. The solution is then to hit #1 on the keyboard to get the full hand. On the lower fan lever make sure you left-click and hold, move the mouse left which should in return move the lever to the left. In the upper central room,(big round doors) there are two possible levers. One will not move and the other will.(in this game, to get any action lever to work, you have to keep the left mouse button pushed and holded)
There are three possible setting modes, #1,#2,#3 on the keyboard.

tannersdad, did you ride the floor up when you first pushed the red button? Did you do anything there? Dave