After MUCH experimentation, I've found the problem.
[snip]
As it turns out, changing the Target Space in EpsonScan makes no
difference. Output is never in the AdobeRGB workingspace. Output is
either tagged sRGB or untagged.
This led me to test VueScan for its AdobeRGB output. BUT THE TRIAL
VERSION DOES NOT HAVE THAT FUNCTIONALITY. All files are outputted in
sRGB.
Any comments?
Howard,
Having no experience with your scanner or its native software, I can't
even begin to suggest if there is hope for getting that combination to
output images in the colorspace of your choice. But the VueScan option
I CAN comment on. My workflow is just as you suggested - scan with
VueScan, outputting files in AdobeRGB; then bring the images into
Photoshop with AdobeRGB as the working space. It's been working great
for me and my film scanner. No oversaturated colors or other problems
to report - everything works the way it is supposed to. Unfortunately,
you are correct about the trial version of Vuescan not having the color
management capability. I don't think there is any way around this;
given your goals, you will need to purchase the PRO version if you
choose the VueScan solution.
Jeff