[en] Predictions of capture cross sections by Hauser-Feshbach calculations should be based on accurate gamma-ray strength functions and level densities. In the mass region 135≤A≤205 gamma-ray strength function models for dipole radiation were evaluated by demanding a simultaneous reproduction of average resonance data, capture cross sections and gamma-ray production spectra. The best results for E1 are obtained with a strength derived from a 'generalized Lorentzian' with a non-zero limit as the energy tends to zero and a width dependent on energy and deformation. The authors recommend for M1 to derive the strength from a spin-flip giant resonance of Lorentzian shape. (author). 28 refs., 5 figs