A variable cam follower (1) is provided for changeable transmission of a lifting movement of a cam to valve train elements allocated to the cam follower (1) in an internal combustion engine. The cam follower (1) includes a hydraulic force transmission device (19) with a variable length pressure space (18), which is bounded by a hollow cylindrical recess (15) of a first cam follower part (3) and by a rod (16) guided in the hollow cylindrical recess (15). The rod is part of a second cam follower part (9) that can move telescopically relative to the first cam follower part (3). The pressure space (18) is closable by a slide (21a, 21b) arranged within the cam follower (1) and acted upon by an adjustable control pressure (p), wherein an opening (23), which extends from the pressure space (18) and opens into a channel (20a, 20b), in which the slide (21a, 21b) runs, is formed in a base (13) of the hollow cylindrical recess (15).