I've been doing LF photography for about 20 years. Here are some late-night, off-the-top-of my-head tips.
-Decide what types of things you like to photograph. This will greatly impact your choice of equipment. For example, if you want to do long back packing trips, a Toho camera would be ideal, along with some low weight lenses. On the other hand, if you want to do studio work, a big, heavy monorail, such as a Sinar P2, would fit the bill, along with some large aperture glass. The latter will make it easier to focus. Unfortunately, I do a little of everything. As a result, I settled on a Toyo AX, a metal field camera. I'm very happy with it, although if I won Lotto, I'd buy an Arca F-line kit, mainly because it would be more versatile with very short and long lenses. Cameras like the Toyo, Linhof, Horseman...and other metal cameras tend to be sturdier than their wooden brethren.
-Light tripods are more fun to carry, but heavier ones do a better job keeping everything still.
-Old lenses can be very good performers. In particular, I had a 203 Ektar that I really liked, but they often have strange flash-syncs, filter threads, and dodgy shutters. Make sure to add the cost of a CLA (Clean, Lube, Adjust) in the cost when you compare prices.
-Depending on what you photograph, you might not need a shutter. Use slow film, and a filter if necessary. Acros is a great film for long exposures.
-My favorite holders are Toyo, but Fidelity ones are good too.
-Badger Graphics and KEH are good places to buy from.
-Cheaper isn't better if it's a pain to use.
-More expensive is worse, unless it's better to use.
-a Jobo CPP-2 with a revision 3 motor and an Expert Drum is a very good way to develop sheet film.
