Capturing footage from Sony HDR-FX1E HDV

What preferences did you set in FCP and in camera?
Do you have problems only with capturing, or is your camera not recognized at all (maybe your cable is broken)?

I can properly capture from same model using HDV - 1080i50 Easy Setup, with camera firewire set to auto mode (it recognizes at sets to HDV mode after FCP launch).

Welcome to the forums. This is a great place. Helps if you give more information, though, like
Computer, OS, and FCP version you are using to name a few.
I used to own an FX1 so maybe I can remember a few things. The FX1E is PAL, though, isn't it?
Did you plug your camera in and turn it on BEFORE you opened FCP?
When you open log and capture, is that where it doesn't recognize the camera? If not, what does it say?
On the camera under menu-->in/out rec-->i.link set--> is HDV to DV set to off?
Have you ever gotten it to capture recording in HDV?
Does it work when you capture DV?

My capture preset for HDV w/ NTSC is the Easy Setup HDV - 1080i60:
Sequence Preset: HDV - 1080i60
Capture Preset: HDV
Device Control Preset: Sony HDV FireWire

Hope this at least helps get you started in the right direction.

With Sony HDV products you MUST set the i-link (firewire port) for HDV before you connect the firewire cable into the camera. Disconnect the firewire cable, open the FX1 menu to Rec In/Out and set the i-link Conv (converter) to OFF for HDV and ON for DV. Then reconnect the firewire cable to the Sony and Mac.

In Final Cut use an easy setup HDV 50i setting and you should be on your way.

If not try another firewire cable.

Good Luck
Z1