The problem with LF is that there is no perfect camera. Every option out there is a compromise solution-- if you're in a studio, and want maximum flexibility, a monorail is a good choice. But they tend to be heavy, and awkward to transport. Press cameras are called press cameras because they were popular with photojournalists-- rugged, compact, jack-of-all trades cameras that weren't particularly great at anything, but did well at nearly everything. Field cameras are designed to be portable and lightweight, and still have a decent amount of movements, but they aren't as rugged, or versatile, or as flexible as other models.
My Chamonix 45N-1 is pretty, it's light-weight (3 pounds) wood and carbon-fiber composite, it's got a good range of movements front and rear, it's easy to set up and tear down-- but it can't fold up with a lens in it, the rear swing and tilt are limited, there is no gearing, and it's OK, but not fantastic for close-up work. It's also around $1k USD with no lenses or film holders. I bought it brand new, the manufacturer still exists, and I can get spare parts that are new.
My other 4x5 is a Pacemaker Speed Graphic from 1948. Weighs just over 6 pounds (with a 127mm Ektar), and because it needed a bit of work and had no lens, I got it for $200. It's a grab-and-go-- Built in rangefinder, two viewfinders, a ground-glass, the lens folds up into the body-- all I'm missing is a light-meter, and my Reveni can literally be worn like a watch. New parts don't exist, but replacement parts are plentiful, and there are many people who can help me keep it running well. Most of the work has been cleaning and adjusting. Bellows are light-tight, as is the body, and the focal-plane shutter is reasonably accurate. But it has no rear movements, and on the front, it's got rise, tilt (up only), and shift. Without the focal-plane shutter (ie, Crown Graphic), it would have been cheaper.
It is very possible, with the complexity of 4x5, to do all your research, believe that you understand everything you need to know, and purchase a 105mm f/5.6 Fujinon NW lens for your 4x5 camera-- and discover that it has roughly
zero movements available due to the extremely limited image circle (162mm)-- which, FYI, is the bare minimum to cover a 4x5 sheet of film with zero movements.
You may pick up a 90mm f/5.6 lens, only to discover that A) it's too big to fit in your camera and B) due to the compression on your bellows to reach a mere 90mm, you have roughly zero movements when focused at infinity. If you can focus at infinity.
This is why people have said you'll make mistakes. The good news is, LF gear is either holding, or going up, in value, so you should be able to recoup most of your money from any mistakes you make.
The other good news is, there are people on here who've been doing this for a long, long, long time. They're willing to help, but they may use phrasing that doesn't sit right. It's up to you whether you want to learn from them.
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