A couple of respondents have mentioned using view cameras in lieu of a T/S lens. I was wondering if a bellows attachment like the OM Auto mono-rail bellows could be used in the same way. They are usually described as being for macro use. They are pretty cumbersome for walking around use, but I'm just wondering if they would work. I don't see any sideways or up down adjustment on them. There is an example here.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Olympus-OM-Auto-Bellows-071/142494178710?hash=item212d509d96:g:E6wAAOSwmPdZqYRW

In August? Better check back before you leave. I bet the policies change at least three times between now and next August.

Nice shots of a great piece of architecture!! I'm surprised I never heard of it before. Thanks for posting.

I have recently acquired an OM to Sony E mount shift adapter. Using it with my old Zuiko lenses. I wanted it to try with streetscape type shots to square up geometric / architectural type details. Still getting used to it. Verdict is still out.

Maybe not - but it is pretty close to my experience.

Free advice is worth what you paid for it!!

I didn't quite'grow up' with a large format bellows camera, but I did have an inherited one for awhile. That was a really steep learning curve. I couldn't even figure out which end to point at the subject. I ended up rolling back down the hill and sold it to KEH for enough to buy my first digital camera.

I consulted David Busch's book to see if there was anything that would cover your situation. I didn't find anything, but I did learn that there is a second, inaccessible battery built-in that provides power to maintain settings etc. I have no idea if that is connected to your problem. However, Sony's are intended to be charged in-camera by USB connection. If you have been using an external charger in lieu of USB connection for a long time, it is possible that the internal battery has been depleted. This is just speculation, I have no idea if it will work, but try turning it off and leaving it on a USB connection for a good long charge. Good luck.

Go for the 850. Your wife won't know, until the town sells your house out from under you in a tax sale.

I believe 'Environmental Portraits' might be one term you could use.

Shouldn't that be the other way around? Shift (up and down) for persepective control /architecture and tilt (rotate) for DOF control (and minaturization effect)?

Thanks Jerry. Thanks Linda and J.R. I spent a lot of time 'working ' those glass bottles.

If the 'two lenses' are the 16-50 and the 55-210, I would go for the 18-105 F4.0 OSS G instead and then buy the best A6xxx you can get with the balance of your budget.

Yes, it would have been an embarrasing moment to have esteemed Noble Lauriats meeting with a c*****e c****e denying, creationist, flat earthist like Komrad Trump.

My very limited experience is that there is a pretty steep learning curve to using a T/S lens. I think it is definitely a case where you should consider renting before buying and do it well before any big trip. If you only want the perspective control you can get used Nikor Shift lenses (no tilt) on eBay for less than $400.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/EXC-NIKON-PC-NIKKOR-28mm-f3-5-PERSPECTIVE-CONTROL-MF-SHIFT-LENS-CAPS-SKY/253212863528?hash=item3af4a9ac28:g:VZEAAOSwR5VZlcPS:sc:USPSPriority!02186!US!-1