Originally Posted by
SB_Greg
SlBS50 8 speed. From 1994?
That seems to be the Dura-ace compatible model. Marked with "8s" on the ring that says SIS/friction(?), probably under the D shaped handle in your pic. If this is the case, then the cable pull is for the FD-740x series. Same pull as the BS77 with 1 less detent.
With most Shimano RDs it requires alternate clamp position as Sheldon Brown shows. As mentioned earlier, some ? on reliability as the exact alignment of cable at the clamp point is needed. Certain RDs have a plate with tabs that replace the round washer on the clamp bolt which helps with the alternate routing (see Sheldon's diagram).
I think a few of the late '90s - 2000 had the plate with the tabs. Just align as pictured and see if it works. May require a little fiddling to get best performance.