Best-bang-for-your-buck type lenses?

[2F/2F]

You can probably get two lenses for that budget; old Schneiders, etc., and have them serviced.

Horizontally speaking, a 180mm will have about the same angle of view as a 50mm lens on small format, so that is your normal lens for horizontals. For verticals, a 210 is your 50mm-on-small-format-equivalent lens. 135s, 150s, 180s, and 210s all appear to be dirt cheap on EBay, as is any 90mm f/8. If you want to take less chance, buy from KEH.com, which has a nice return policy.

You can also rent for under $40 usually, if you want to try them out first.

[Ian Grant]

Jason, there are a lot of LF users in your part of the world, you should try and meet up with one of them. It's far easier to learn how to use movements with someone demonstrating them, and having a go yourself, than reading in a book. You'd also be able to see different lenses in use, which would help you decide.

Tilt, front or rear and front - rise and fall are the main movements I use for landscape work.

I'd suggest helping you myself but I'm 2 continents away

Ian

[John Kasaian]

A 135mm Kodak Wide Field is something to consider, as would a 120 Angulon or Super Angulon. You might even come across a Leitmeyer Weltwinkle (sp?) which are pretty nice for the price. All these should be well within your budget.