I’ve seen the issue, but I usually resolve it by spinning the tape until I see the TC moving, and then go to capture. This also happens with any other deck (D-Beta, SP), FCP needs to see the TC before it can capture TC sources. If you are parked at the end of the tape, for example (like may field sources), FCP may not be able to rock back and forth and find the TC itself, requiring user input to spin back to find the TC and then capture.
Not sure if this is the case, but sometimes the VITC and LTC are mismatched, and you have to select one or the other (Usually LTC). Not sure if this is a menu item for 1400, but you’ve got those switches on D-Beta and SP decks.
David Brier
http://www.postopmedia.com