May we substitute a flashlight for the candle? TB Pesakhim 8

The very first Mishna of our massekhet teaches us that we search for the hametz on the night of the 14th of Nisan by the light of a candle. Today's daf TB Pesakhim 8 teaches a drasha that by comparing different verses which contain the same words leads us to the conclusion why a candle is used. The word "found" connects with the word "search." The word search connects with the word "candles." Finally the word "candles" connects with the word candle. Consequently, the hametz must be found by search using the light of a candle.

“The Sages taught: One does not search for leaven, neither by the light of the sun, nor by the light of the moon, nor by the light of a torch. Rather, the search should be conducted by the light of a lamp, because the light of a lamp is effective for searching. And even though there is no proof for this matter, there is an allusion to this matter, as it is stated: “Seven days leaven shall not be found in your houses” (Exodus 12:19), and it says: “And he searched, starting with the eldest, and ending with the youngest; and the goblet was found in Benjamin’s sack…” (Genesis 44:12). And it says: “At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps” (Zephaniah 1:12), and it says: “The spirit of man is the lamp of God, searching all the inward parts” (Proverbs 20:27).” (Sefaria.org translation)

The Gemara asks the question why is a candle preferable over a torch. Obviously a torch sheds more light and a person will be able to see the hametz better. “Rava said: One who uses a torch for the blessing over fire in havdala has performed the mitzva in the optimal manner. Apparently, the light of a torch is greater than that of a lamp.” (Sefaria.org translation)

The Gemara provides four different rationales why a candle is better than a torch when searching for the hametz.

“Rav Naḥman bar Yitzḥak said: The baraita does not prohibit the use of a torch due to its failure to provide sufficient light. Rather, it is due to the fact that one can put this lamp into holes and crevices, as it is a small flame, and one cannot put that torch into holes and crevices, as it is a large flame.

Rav Zevid said: This lamp projects its light before it, facilitating the search, and that torch projects its light behind it, on the person conducting the search.

Rav Pappa said: The reason is that when using this torch one fears starting a fire, and when using that lamp he does not fear starting a fire.

Ravina said: This lamp consistently draws light, and the light of that torch\ fluctuates. Although overall the torch provides greater light than a lamp, it is less effective for use in a search.” (Sefaria.org translation)

The question arises whether one is allowed to search for hametz with a flashlight. Obviously, this discussion never takes place in the Gemara because flashlights and batteries weren't invented yet. Based on the four reasons provided on today's daf, I have to conclude that using a flashlight for bedikat hametz (בדיקת חמץ), searching for the hametz, is permissible. Nevertheless, there is something nostalgic, romantic, and timeless by using a candle. Either method you choose to illuminate your search is kosher.