On my pfaff 1473 ( 1985machine?) I need to partially lower the needle bar for darning/free .option.
On that machine , one can sort of "catch" it about half way down to the needle plate.
Think of opening a dishwasher or oven door partway open and it will stay in that position.
I have no idea if that will work on your machine.
I had a challenging time figuring it out and much prefer the darning/ free motion on my vintage berninas.