I differ with you on the dynamic range question. I find the Epson somewhat limited for extreme slides, but it has all the range needed to successfully scan colour negatives. It is true that Epson Scan is pathetic at negatives, like most native scanner dirvers. I experienced the same problem with Minolta drivers and it has been often reported on Nikon Scan. However, if you try VueScan, you will find that all your negative range is in the scan, especially if you produce a raw file.

I’ve worked with epson scanners for a while now (I have a 3200 and a 4780). The important thing in this review restricts itself to Black and White (something I do mostly with film anyway . However when looking at colour films I am sure you’ll find that the epson lacks in a specific way, that is registration of the R G and B channels. I’ve posted my exploration of that here (http://home.people.net.au/~cjeastwd/digital/epsonProblems.html) . So its well to verify that if you’re intending to use an Epson for 35mm colour film. Also beware that the Epson does not have the dynamic range needed for colour negative (expecially because hi-light details are in the densest part of the film in a negative). I put some things about that on my personal blog (here: http://cjeastwd.blogspot.com/2008/09/colour-negative-wondering-about-getting.html and http://cjeastwd.blogspot.com/2008/10/epson-3200-more-optimal-scans.html)

I’m glad to see more people working on getting the knowledge out there that film has merits. Digital is certainly easier, but knowing how to make the most of film can save you money (compared to digital gear) and often get better results.

That is what I felt myself, trying to get as good scan from a negative as from B&W positive ( with respect to grain). I get better grain when scanning B&W slide (AGFA SCALA or dr5 processing), which has high density range.
Regards, Gleb.